French fashion icon Hubert de Givenchy, who famously designed Audrey Hepburn's iconic "little black dress," has died aged 91. The aristocratic designer set new standards for ladylike chic in the 1950s and 1960s.
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French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy has died aged 91, according to a statement released by his partner Philippe Venet on Monday.
The latter's "little black dress" for the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" became an iconic piece of 20th-century fashion. Givenchy met Hepburn on the set of the Billy Wilder's Oscar-winning comedy "Sabrina" in 1953. The star remained his friend and muse for more than 40 years.
With her shift dresses, pillbox hats and low-heeled pumps, former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy also adopted the Givenchy look during her White House years.
In 1952 Givenchy launched his eponymous luxury fashion house, which became part of the LVMH group in 1988. After his retirement in 1995, Givenchy was succeeded by John Galliano as head designer.
'Parisian elegance'
"Hubert de Givenchy was a symbol of Parisian elegance for more than half a century," his label said in a statement.
"He was the first creator to launch a luxury ready-to-wear range. He revolutionized international fashion in creating the timeless looks for Audrey Hepburn, his friend and muse for more than 40 years."
Clare Waight Keller, artistic director at Givenchy, said on Instagram: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of a great man and artist I have had the honor to meet and get to know."
She referred to the late designer as both "one of the most influential fashion figures of our time" and "the definition of a true gentleman."
An immortal Hollywood legend: Audrey Hepburn
During the 1950s and 60s, Audrey Hepburn was a screen goddess. She would have turned 90 on May 4. These are the films that made her a Hollywood icon.
Image: Paramount Pictures
'There's such a lot of world to see...'
Audrey Hepburn became an icon in 1961 as Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Her little black dress became her trademark and has been copied all over the world. However, being an extravagant party girl isn't all it's cracked up to be. Holly searches for love in New York's nightlife and sings about it in the song "Moon River."
Image: Paramount Pictures
Breakthrough with 'Gigi'
Born on May 4, 1929, Hepburn started her acting career at the age of 20. She would have preferred dancing and singing to acting. But then she did get a chance to do just that — on Broadway. In 1952, she even received a prestigious theater award for starring in the musical of Colette's "Gigi," which drew Hollywood's attention as well.
Image: picture alliance / Everett Collection
Princess of the silver screen
Hollywood did not hesitate very long and quickly cast the 24-year-old actress as Princess Anne in "Roman Holiday" (1953), co-starring with superstar Gregory Peck who played a reporter. She gained world fame over night, and even received her first Oscar as best actress.
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The prettiest nun
In "The Nun's Story" (1959), Audrey Hepburn plays a woman plagued by doubts. She feels called by God, but sees herself unable to adhere to the strict rules of the order. Some film critics called this Hepburn's best performance. It was quite a challenging role, considering that her nun's habit limited her means of expression.
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A sparrow in Paris
The comedy "How to Steel a Million?," shot in Paris in 1966, gave Audrey Hepburn plenty of opportunity to present her comical talent. As the daughter of a counterfeit art dealer, she is torn between her loyalty to her father and a detective she falls in love with. The outfit pictured above was created by her friend and personal designer Hubert de Givenchy.
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Blind beauty
"Wait Until Dark" (1967) is a thriller about a blind woman chased by a brutal criminal. Hepburn's co-star, Alan Arkin, must have had a hard time during filming because he constantly had to frighten the beautiful actress. Despite his reluctance, he succeeded in his role — and Audrey Hepburn played the horrified woman with elegance.
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No happy ending
In "The Children's Hour" (1961), the two young teachers Karen (Audrey Hepburn) and Martha (Shirley MacLaine) establish a finishing school for girls, which enjoys a good reputation until a mischievous girl spreads rumors on the presumed homosexuality of the two teachers, destroying not only the school, but also the lives of the teachers. Hepburn and MacLaine are pictured with co-star James Garner.
Image: Imago
In good company
The names of Audrey Hepburn's male co-stars read like Hollywood's "Who's Who": Gary Cooper, Gregory Peck, Humphrey Bogart, Fred Astaire, Peter O'Toole, Burt Lancaster — and last but not least, Cary Grant. Grant was twice as old as Hepburn when he co-starred with her in the 1963 comedy "Charade," but hardly looked it. Both received a Golden Globe for this film.
Image: picture-alliance/ KPA
An immortal icon
Audrey Hepburn never considered herself an exceptional beauty. She was convinced her teeth were crooked and her ears and feet too big. She had never thought she would ever make it as an actress. Thirty movies and almost as many awards have fortunately proven her wrong. The British actress died on January 20, 1993.